Prayer
In our busy work lives, it is important to make room for prayer and spiri- tual reflection. Catholic Health Initiatives is pleased to offer resources for these activities in the form of Sacred Stories. These stories — written by employees, physicians, volunteers and others associated with Catholic Health Initiatives — are powerful, moving examples of the ministry culture of our health care system. As examples of our core values in action, they provide rich material for reflections, prayers and the daily inspiration that helps us continue the healing ministry of Jesus.
This week’s Sacred Stories comes from Connie Rotters Blake, MSN, RN, FCN of
Memorial Health Care System Chattanooga, Tennessee
The old woman lay silent and still in the hospital bed, her face turned to the wall. The nursing staff said she spoke only to answer their questions, and only with a simple “yes” or “no.” The woman, Lucy, did not make eye contact. She seemed lost in her own world.
Lucy had been admitted the previous morning after a fall at her nursing home. No one came with her, and her only family contact was a relative several states away. I noted there was no parish listed for Lucy on the denominational patient list, and the staff said no priest had been contacted to visit her. I visited her as a lay minister.
As I entered her room, I said, “Miss Lucy, my name is Connie.” Lucy’s sad eyes looked up at me and grabbed my heart. Slowly, a sweet smile spread across her face. “You found me,” she said.
Lucy told of being the last in her family, living at the nursing home because she had no one to help her. She said she cherished visitors from her parish, but had feared that no one from church would find her at the hospital to bring her holy communion. I assured her that she could receive communion every day if she wished. I asked if she wanted to see a priest, then made that call for her.
As I left that day, a nurse came into the room. With great joy in her voice, Lucy told the nurse, “My church found me. I’m not alone anymore.” I’m not sure who received more that day.
Have you seen people in similar circumstances?
What is the meaning of this story?
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The White Mass for all TRINITY employees will be on September 15 at 10A in Sullivan Hall. Bishop Jeffrey Monforton will celebrate this Mass for ALL Medical Professionals. Reception will follow the Mass. All are encouraged and invited to attend. Please email me back to RSVP: [email protected]
Reed Bentzinger and myself cordially invite you to join our Steubenville Young Adult Ministry. The ministry is centered on five components: Spiritual,https://www.facebook.com/ Social, Cultural, Service, and Athletics.
Finding good and wholesome friends is extremely difficult these days. We are meeting bimonthly to support and enjoy the company of amazing people who desire to travel with you on your life’s path and assist you in writing your own sacred stories!
For more information, please visit our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524293788401267 or by emailing [email protected].
Do you have any news to share so we can celebrate or sympathize with you? Perhaps a death of an immediate family member (or a loved one of a colleague – be sure to get their permission), or birth of a child, an engagement, or graduation from a program. Share with me so I can share with the entire organization!!! Email [email protected]